Four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly. Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin now offers infant passenger safety classes that focus on car seat safety for infants through the first year of their life. The infant passenger safety class will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in Classroom 3 at the medical center.

“We now have a certified child passenger safety technician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin,” says Nancy Hoversten, Women’s Special Care Unit nurse manager. “We are excited to be able to offer the infant passenger safety classes here at the medical center to help parents and anyone who transports infants to learn more about how to select a car seat and how to properly secure them once you purchase them.”

The course utilizes lecture, video, written materials, sample seat belt systems, and car seat demonstrations, including a hands on small group activity. “This class really is great for anyone who transports infants on a regular basis, including daycare providers,” says Hoversten. “Many people make common mistakes when purchasing and securing car seats and this class really will help you avoid making those common mistakes.”

The infant passenger safety class is free, but class size is limited so registration is recommended. To register for the infant passenger safety class, go to mayoclinichealthsystem.org and click on Minnesota, Austin, Classes & Events, and Infant Passenger Safety Class.